The BAE Department has a research program of quality and relevance to serve current and future public needs. The research program includes a combination of fundamental and applied research projects. BAE research addresses many diverse areas and the research activities are of high quality with many programs of national and international prominence. Particularly noteworthy research areas include bioconversion engineering, electrostatics, environmental/ecological engineering, water engineering, decision support systems, and several aspects of biological engineering (e.g., biosensors, cellular engineering, bio-nanoengineering and metabolic engineering).
The BAE Department has research programs on all three campuses (Athens, Griffin, and Tifton) and extensive collaboration with scientists and engineers in UGA, domestic and foreign universities, industry, and USDA and several other agencies. BAE strives to maintain a balanced research portfolio that explores the cutting-edge technologies and innovative engineering approaches related to producing biologically-based resources, designing bio-based products and addressing several aspects of the environment that affect sustainability and quality of life.
BAE has chosen to focus on three priority areas for developing excellence: Bio-Nanoengineering, Biochemical Engineering, and Natural Resource and Environmental Systems Engineering, and on relevant Cross-Cutting Areas of Engineering Science, Technology and Applied Research.
- Bio-Nanoengineering involves applying scientific and engineering principles to fabricate and manipulate materials and structures at micro/nano scale-level. The ubiquitous applications of these advances, and the resulting profound changes in how we develop new systems, have characterized bio-nanotechnology as the most significant force for future developments in industry and the global economy. BAE programs are inspired by applications in agricultural, biological and environmental systems and focused on those aspects that show potential for advancing the state, university and the department to a preeminent position. The BAE program is focusing on two interrelated areas: nano/micro-sensing and molecular imaging.
- Biochemical Engineering involves the conversion of "raw" biomaterials such as crops, trees and industrial biowaste, by a wide array of processes, into useful materials and products. Biochemical engineering includes the rational alteration of biomaterials with the goal of improving their conversion characteristics, the optimization of systems to harvest dedicated conversion crops, and the design of integrated operations to carry out conversion processes. An important feature of biochemical engineering is its integrative approach to the process of conversion and seamlessly interfacing research, extension and teaching into its program activities. The BAE program is focusing on two interrelated areas: metabolic engineering and biorefinery engineering.
- Natural Resource and Environmental Systems Engineering involves the establishment of systematic methods for managing soil, water and air resources for environmental improvement. With increasing interests in conservation of resources and environmental protection, BAE programs are grounded in a systems approach and rely heavily on ecological principles to provide solutions to resource allocation and protection issues pertinent to Georgia citizens. BAE programs are inspired by applications in agriculture and focus on integrative models that include risk assessment and aid in decision-making. We recognize that environmental solutions will be derived from the integration of air, soil, water and biota to address environmental effects of livestock, poultry and crop production and will strive to develop products and solutions under such a framework. NRES programs are consistent with the CAES and the University of Georgia missions..The BAE program is grounded in a systems approach and seeks to develop integrative models to provide solutions for resource allocation and protection issues.
- Cross-Cutting Areas of Engineering Science, Technology and Applied Research
Because of the interdisciplinary perspectives noted above, as well as BAE's unique history outside of a college of engineering that requires BAE faculty to address fundamental engineering disciplines beyond biological and agricultural specializations, BAE research activities are not limited only to the three priority areas. A robust BAE research program requires investment in cross-cutting engineering science and technology and applied research, to find timely answers to pressing problems of the state. For example, integral components of the BAE research portfolio include cross-cutting areas like: sensors and controls; mechatronics (integrated machine and electronic systems); modeling complex living and eco-systems; and applied research areas for systems related to the production of biologically-based resources, bio-based products, and natural resources and environment. In this way BAE addresses many diverse state needs, develops cross-cutting new technologies and aspires for national excellence in the three priority areas.
